Supplier Development Engineer, Mechanical

About 1X
We’re an AI and robotics company based in Palo Alto, California, on a mission to build a truly abundant society through general-purpose robots capable of performing any kind of work autonomously.

We believe that to truly understand the world and grow in intelligence, humanoid robots must live and learn alongside us. That’s why we’re focused on developing safe home robots designed to integrate seamlessly into everyday life.

This is a technical position that requires practical experience with the materials, processes and parts used in mechanical assemblies. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of such products with the desire and capability to take on new challenges in unfamiliar areas to help enable our mission.

Role Overview
You make sure our mechanical suppliers deliver parts that are right, on time, and built to last. You’ll be deep in the details — on the factory floor, in the design reviews, and wherever problems pop up. You’ll drive fixes, improve processes, and keep production moving without excuses.

Responsibilities

• Work with design engineers to understand parts and how they’re built

• Set clear supplier requirements and hold them accountable

• Run PPAP and production readiness checks

• Audit suppliers for quality and process control

• Track supplier performance and drive corrective actions when they miss

• Push cost toward first-principles based should-cost target

• Lead root-cause investigations and verify fixes stick

• Suggest design or process changes to cut risk and improve yield

• Support new material or process evaluations for better cost or manufacturability

• Be the go-to person when a supplier issue threatens production

Bottom line: You make sure suppliers deliver — no excuses.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

• 2+ years of experience in mechanical SDE or manufacturing engineering roles

  • We will consider candidates between entry-level and staff-level 

• Strong knowledge of supplier quality processes (PPAP, APQP, FAI, etc.), quality systems (ISO 9000, AS9100, TS, NADCAP), and MRP/ERP systems

• Experience with manufacturing processes such as machining, die casting, and forging

• Supplier management and negotiation experience 

• Experience with quality tools such as Lean, SPC, DOE, PFMEA, and structured problem-solving methods

• Proven experience with Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA)

• Solid hands-on experience of quality statistical analysis tools and applications (e.g., JMP, Minitab)

• Strong mechanical background, including statistical tolerance analysis, design quality assessment, and improvement techniques

• Proficiency in GD&T and 3D CAD software

• Strong written and verbal communication abilities

• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and adaptable in fast-paced environments

• Ability to work extended hours or weekends to meet deadlines

• Willingness to travel up to 50% or more as needed

Benefits & Compensation

• Salary Range: $105,000 - $195,000

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) with company match

• Paid time off and holidays

Equal Opportunity Employer
1X is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.